Lineker blasts Tuchel over ‘inexplicable’ Messi tactics after England’s World Cup collapse

Gary Lineker has condemned England coach Thomas Tuchel’s tactics as “inexplicable”, accusing him of failing to properly contain Lionel Messi in the Three Lions’ World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.

The 2026 World Cup last-four clash in North America ended in heartbreak for England, who squandered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 after two late goals created by Messi.

Lineker, England’s second-highest all-time scorer and a former Barcelona striker, told Argentine broadcaster TyC Sports that England’s decision to retreat deep and not assign tight marking to Messi was impossible to understand.

“It seemed to me completely incomprehensible that you drop back like that. You had the best player who ever played football in front of you!” he said.

‘No close marking, no plan for Messi’

Lineker focused his criticism on England’s defensive approach once Messi began drifting to the right flank, arguing that Tuchel’s five-man back line failed to engage the Argentine captain.

“He (Messi) is the all-time top scorer in the World Cup, and has the most assists in the history of the tournament,” Lineker said.

“And when he moves to the right side, you play with a back five and yet you don’t step out to face him, you don’t mark him closely, you don’t assign a player to track him!”

According to TyC Sports, several England players were left stunned in the dressing room by Tuchel’s in-game decisions, as Argentina seized control of the closing stages.

FIFA has also issued its first public comment on the wider political tensions surrounding the England–Argentina encounter, although football’s world governing body has so far steered clear of criticising either camp directly.

Late Messi masterclass stuns England

England had appeared on course for a first World Cup final since 1966 when Anthony Gordon struck in the 55th minute.

But Argentina mounted a dramatic late comeback.

Enzo Fernandez levelled in the 85th minute with a powerful strike from outside the area, before Lautaro Martinez rose to head home the winner in the 92nd minute. Both goals were set up by Messi.

The 39-year-old, already a World Cup winner in 2022, extended his records for both goals and assists in the competition, deepening the sense among English pundits that he had not been given sufficient attention defensively.

Lineker argued that the combination of England’s deep block and lack of individual responsibility for Messi contributed directly to the collapse.

England turn to France play-off as Argentina eye title

Despite the disappointment, England remain in the tournament and will face France in the third-place play-off, as they attempt to salvage a podium finish.

Spain and Argentina will contest the final, with Messi seeking to add a second World Cup title to his extraordinary career and Spain chasing their first crown since 2010.

In the wake of the semi-final, debate in England has intensified over Tuchel’s tactical choices, including whether he was too cautious after taking the lead and whether his defensive reshuffle played into Argentina’s hands.

Lineker’s outspoken intervention is likely to fuel further scrutiny of the German coach, whose future with the national team could come under discussion if England fail to respond with a convincing performance against France.